In a report done by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, it was revealed that health care spending in the United States has outpaced the growth domestic product, inflation, and the number of residents for years. It also predicts this trend will continue. ReactDx, innovators of first-rate Holter Monitoring equipment, take a look at the effect the rising health care costs have on patients.
The Actual Costs
In a report published on the JAMA Network, the true cost of health care in the United States is revealed. On average, a person will spend $1,443 on medication, $896 for a CT Scan, and $75,345 on a heart bypass operation. Additionally, physicians in America make double what doctors in 11 other countries earn.
Skipping Care
Perhaps the biggest effect high health care costs have on patients is opting not to schedule a doctor appointment due to lack of payment. Peterson-Kaiser Health System says one in 10 individuals either waited longer than they should to see a doctor or didn’t see one at all because of the cost of the visit. Additionally, the report showed that one in five patients who considered themselves to be of bad health either delayed or skipped their physician visit due to cost.
Increased Debt
Even with health insurance, monthly premiums, copays, and deductibles can take a toll on an individual’s finances. Many families are forced to go into debt just to pay their medical bills. One reader told The New York Times that he had to borrow against his home to meet his high-deductible plan. Another admitted to having to purchase their medication from Mexico.
It is clear that the high cost of health care in the U.S. has a negative effect on patients. In addition to not getting the care they need when symptoms arise, patients go without necessities or take on debt just to stay healthy. ReactDx’s state-of-the-art Holter Monitoring equipment is essential to determining a patient’s heart health and one should check with their cardiologist to see if how much of the test is covered by insurance. Visit ReactDx’s News & Updates page for more advice or give them a call at 800-234-3278.
